Senate dismisses perception on constituency projects

 

The Senate has described perception of Nigerians that lawmakers siphon monies meant for constituency intervention projects as regrettable.

Chairman, Senate Committee on Poverty Alleviation and Social Welfare, Ali Wakili (APC, Bauchi South) stated this in Abuja at a one-day public hearing on Constituencies Development Catalyst Fund Establishment etc Bill, 2017.

Since the introduction of constituency projects by the Olusegun Obasanjo administration, it has been a subject of controversy, with reports that lawmakers siphon monies meant for constituency intervention projects.

But Wakili exonerated the Legislature, saying the projects were executed by the Executive.

According to him, the Constituencies Development Catalyst Fund Bill sponsored by Buhari Abdulfatai, (APC, Oyo North) would correct the prejudices and stereotypes, stressing that the bill is aimed at re-distributing national wealth and resources to the nooks and crannies of all states of the federation through improved rural economy, employment and standard of living.

The bill seeks to provide legal framework for constituency development projects and respond to recent public concerns on the alleged misuse of constituency development fund.

The bill does not explicitly state the percentage of the annual budget that will be allocated to the Constituency Development Catalyst Fund but Clause 2(2) of the proposal refers to a portion of the annual national budget dedicated to the project.

The lawmaker further said when facilities were made available to citizens, it would result in equitable devolution of powers, authority and a strategy for enhanced citizen’s participation in decision-making that affects their destiny, thereby enshrining good governance.

He said “We are not unaware of the great negativism, stereotypes, perception rigidity and the bad public image of the successive Assemblies including ours, since the constituency intervention projects was introduced.

“To some of them, those funds meant for such intervention projects
aimed at providing basic needs to fight the scourge of poverty was being siphoned and misused by the legislature in connivance with  bureaucrats.

“These people who give us bad name know little or nothing about constituency intervention projects. They feel it is money set aside that we put in our pocket, which is not true.

“What we do is to ensure that projects are brought to our constituencies so that they will have a sense of representation”.

In his remarks, Senate President, Bukola Saraki who was represented by Senate Majority Leader, Ahmad Lawan, (APC, Yobe North) noted that the bill would address the controversies surrounding the constituency project, adding that it will help create transparency and accountability.